Streaming services that dominated the pack in 2019

We're living in the dawn of a golden age of streaming, and while there are a lot of different services currently on the market, there are a few that stand way ahead of the pack. With HBO Max, Peacock, and Quibi entering the streaming fray in 2020, it's going to get very crowded.

For this best streaming service list, we're focusing on the six best from this past year. These are services that upped their game during the past year, offered users unique and new experiences, and proved to be the best of the best in 2019. It doesn't matter if it's a catch-all service like Hulu or a service that caters to a specific group like DC Universe, each of these were judged on their own merits the past year.

So let's take a look at some of the best streaming services from 2019 and what made them so great, starting with number six.

For a better look into entertainment for 2019, make sure to check out the best and worst reviewed movies of 2019. And if you're looking ahead to 2020, check out our looks at the Biggest Movies, TV shows, and Anime to watch next year.

Netflix

While Netflix is fighting a losing battle to grab TV shows and movies--like the recent news of it losing The Office and Friends--the streaming service continues to put out some of the best original content every single year. It is the largest streaming service for a reason, and it started the trend of original programming being the centerpiece. This past year, Netflix had some exciting movies like The Irishman and the over-the-top 6 Underground, as well as binge-worthy TV shows like Mindhunter, Stranger Things, Big Mouth, and Russian Doll. We could continue naming dynamite Netflix shows from this past year, but we have a list dedicated to that already.

Disney+

Debuting in November, Disney+ offered a large catalog of Disney, Pixar, National Geographic, Star Wars, and Marvel movies and TV shows to kick things off, alongside original content. The biggest original show of note was none other than the Star Wars series The Mandalorian, and even though the quality of the series differed between episodes, it's still a must-see series for most Star Wars fans. On top of that, numerous other original series helped kick off Disney+ including High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, The World According to Jeff Goldblum, and The Imagineering Story--a documentary chronicling the history of Disney's theme parks. It didn't have the smoothest launch--which featured crashing issues, playback features missing, and old episodes of The Simpsons in the wrong aspect ratio--but it was still a huge success.

Shudder

Shudder continues to be a must-have service for horror fans. In 2019, Shudder launched more original and exclusive content to its service, and it's the best place to watch indie and foreign horror. This past year, the service premiered its original series Creepshow, which has been a loving--and entertaining--homage to the original film. If Creepshow is any indication, 2020 is going to be a great year for Shudder.

Amazon Prime Video

Out of the "Big 3 of Streaming," Amazon Prime Video had a great year for original content and a slow year for everything else. Its original series The Boys launched this year, which was surprisingly good. Additionally, Good Omens arrived, and the quirky comedy was a hit with fans. Meanwhile, the critically acclaimed The Marvelous Ms. Maisel debuted its third season. Amazon may not have as much content as its competitors--Netflix and Hulu--but it is offering up quite a few great original series.

DC Universe

2019 was such a good year for DC Universe's original programming, including the animated series Harley Quinn, the canceled Swamp Thing, Doom Patrol, Young Justice: Outsiders, and a new season of Titans. Alongside the original programming, DC Universe added tens of thousands of comic books to read to its service as well. If you're a fan of comic books, DC Universe continues to be a must-have service.

Hulu

In 2019, Hulu shined exceptionally when it came to original programming. This year saw Season 3 of Handmaid's Tale, which escaped the sophomore slump of Season 2, giving realistic hope to the show's main character, June. Additionally, Season 2 of Castle Rock debuted, building on the ideas of the first season while presenting a story that is completely standalone and much more interesting than its opening offering. Aside from what should be considered Hulu's tentpoles for original programming, this year saw the launch of the comedies Pen15 and Ramy, which both have received acclaim from critics and fans alike.

Additionally, Hulu is now the exclusive home for the FX library and streaming certain FX series. This is actually a big get for the service, as FX has been putting out dynamite TV shows like Sons of Anarchy, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Legion, American Horror Story, and more.